The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1887-03-25
BLACKVILLE IN A BLAZE.

| Hoy "e business f>drt or he IOton Dc-
aroyed-Some D,oelings also Jurned--
| The Destruction Wrought an t,eo hours
Conduct of the Country Negrocs-Aid
from Aikcn-Loss estimated at nearly
| 100000,
BLAcKvItLE, March 16. Tho most dis
astrous fire ever known in this community
broke out here at o'clock this afternoon.
1t began in P. w. Ferrell's store and swept
out the whole business part of the town
south of Railroad avenue; through three
squares, and spread to other localities in
the town. The wind was high and blow
ing from the west, slightly north to cast,
slightly south. At one time it appeared
as IT the whole town was doomed, as the fire
crossed to the north side ofthe railroad, aud
several houses ON that side were burning at
snce. These were put out, however, and
no buildings on that side were burned.
Many people are homeless aud without
clothes or furniture, as evea what was put
out Of the houses was burned in the street,
broken or stolen, as tho town was soon filed
with negroe, from the country, who help.
cd some but plundered as well. In two
hours the destruction was complete.
Much distress must follow, unless help
Is sent. Aiken has sent down her fire en-
gine, which is now at work on the burning
ruins. The fire is now under control. The
South Carolina Railroad sheds and plat
forms have been burned, and Mr.. Averill
is on the ground doing much good. r,S
HELP NEEDED AT ONCE.-Ths follow.
ing dispatch relative to tho fire at Black
vile WAS received by the Mews and Cour-
ter yesterday afternoon from Superiuten-
dent Averill, of tho South Carolina Rail-
way, who visited the scene of the fire:
"Betweeu one-half and two-thirds of the
town OF Blackville is entirely destroyed by
fire. We havo the Aiken steam fire en-
gine here, but the supply of water is entire-
" exhausted except that in tho railroad
tank. There is not sufficient hose to reach
over the burnt District. 1t is too early to
arrive at the less, but there ore .eroa.
mani ismmss roudored homeless, Tavius
lost bedding, furniture, clothing, and every
thing they had. Any assistance that can
be rendered in money, provisions, clothing
or lumber, to build temporary shelters, will
bo OF great assistance at this time. I am
informed that the mayor proposes to call
meeting of the citizens as soon as the OK.
element subsidies"
Among the buildings consumed were
P. W. Farrell and Martin & Sons genera
merchandise stores, j. L. Buist's large
brick grocery house, D. X. Briggs drug
store, W. a. Jarrell's general store, Simon
Browns new brick general store, Martin
keeler's grocery store and bar, Browns
livery Stable and handsome residence, tho
large warehouse Of tho South Carolina
Railway, half dozen small stores and
many residences. The depot was one of
the few buildings in town that escaped the
raging flames. The loss is estimated at
$500, 900; insurance about $4,000.
THE LARGEST FARn IN THE WonLp.-In the
extreme southw est sorner OF Louisiana lies the
largest producing farm in tho world It runs
100 miles north and south, and many miles
east and west, aud i, owned aad operated by a
syndicate of Northern Capitalists. Their gen.
eral manager, ]. b. Watkins, gives an interest
ing account of this gigantic plantation, which
throws the great Dalrymple farm in Dakota
into tho shade completely.
The l l,5OO,0 acres of our tract Mr. Wat
kins said, was purchased in 1888 from the
State Of Louisiana and from the United States
Government. At that time ii was O vast graz
ing land for the cattle of the few dealers in
the neighborhood. When took possession [
found over 80, 900 head of halE.vild bors., and
cattle. My work was to divide tho immense
tract into convenient pastures, establishing
stations or ranches every six miles. The fepo-
ing alone cost in the neighborhood Of $50, 900.
The land found to be best adapted to rice,
sugar, corn, and cotton. All our cultivatiup.
ditching, etc., is done by steam power. We
take tract, say half milo wide, for instance
and place an engine on each side. The engine,
are portable, and operate q cable attached TO
f'ur plows, and under this arrangement wo
are able to plow thirty acres q day with only
the labor ofthree men. Our narrowing. plant-
ing, and other cultivation is done in A like
manner; in fact, there is not a single draught
horse on the entire pace. We have, of course.
horses for the herdors of cattle, Of which
We now have 10000 head. Tho South
ern Pacific Railroad runu for thirty-six miles
through our farm. We have three steamboats,
operating on the waters of our own estate, upon
which thero are 800 miles Of navigable waters :.
We have an ice house, a bank, q shin ward
ana rice mill..-St. Louis Republican.
CARpos.-Carbonaceous matter in some form
Is necessary in all soils. In some il arises
from the decay Of green crops, for tho resul,